Image size: 65.0 x 120.0 cm,
Object size: 73.5 x 132.0 cm
The shahadah is the first of the 5 pillars of Islam – a declaration of faith in the Arabic language which translates to ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad S.A.W. is the messenger of Allah’. The word shahadah itself is in the Arabic language and translates to ‘bear witness’, hence by professing the shahadah it means to bear witness to the truth of Islam’s message. Sarkasi’s illustration of the shahadah is not new in the world of artistic expressions as the verse has been executed by calligraphers and artists since centuries ago. Calligraphic art is one the most highly exalted form of the arts in the Islamic world and similar verses from the Quran typically adorn mosques and Muslim households. However, this work is a unique expression of a local renowned artist fusing his faith into his artistic practice. Sarkasi has never really been known for incorporating Islamic calligraphy into his abstract batik works hence this rare work offer us insights into the spiritual aspects of his art practice and his own social background as a Malay/ Muslim artist from Singapore.
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